Worldwide Media and KIIT Bhubaneswar formally came together today at The Times Group headquarters in Mumbai to ceremoniously announce that KIIT Bhubaneswar will host the 61st Femina Miss India Grand Finale, scheduled for April 18, 2026. This significant collaboration marks the partnership of two prestigious institutions with a shared vision to celebrate talent, ambition, and the spirit of young India on one of the country’s most iconic platforms.
The dignitaries from KIIT Bhubaneswar who were in attendance were Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT and KISS, Bhubaneswar Prof. Dr. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. Soumyendu Shankar Ray, Director General, KIIT & Dr. Varun Suthra, Director, KIIT and KISS, Bhubaneswar, and they were joined by Rohit Gopakumar, Director, Worldwide Media, Times Group and reigning Femina Miss India titleholders, Nikita Porwal, Rekha Pandey & Aayushi Dholakia.
Speaking on the momentous occasion, representatives from Worldwide Media and KIIT Bhubaneswar expressed their enthusiasm for this landmark association and reaffirmed their commitment to creating an extraordinary spectacle of talent that inspires and resonates with audiences nationwide.
Rohit Gopakumar, Director, Worldwide Media – The Times Group, said, “Femina Miss India has long stood as a platform that celebrates and empowers the talent, individuality, and promise of young Indian women. This partnership with KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, is especially significant as it marks the first time the grand finale will be hosted in East India, opening an exciting new chapter in our legacy. With KIIT’s strong ethos of excellence, education, and empowerment, we are proud to come together for the 61st edition and create a truly landmark celebration in Bhubaneswar.”
Speaking on the partnership, Achyuta Samanta – Founder of KIIT shared, “At KIIT, we believe education goes beyond classrooms; it is about shaping individuals who inspire change. Since its inception, KIIT has championed women’s empowerment and participation, making this association with the 61st Femina Miss India even more meaningful. As the presenting partner and host of the grand finale at our Bhubaneswar campus, we take immense pride in celebrating the talent, confidence and leadership of young women who represent the next generation.”
The partnership signing ceremony held in Mumbai served as an important milestone in the journey towards the 61st Femina Miss India Grand Finale scheduled on April 18, 2026, at KIIT Bhubaneswar. Femina Miss India envisions creating an ecosystem of global influence and social impact through strategic partnerships that enable women to realise their full potential as role models and ambassadors, bringing honour and recognition to India worldwide.
A powerful platform that has turned dreams into reality for decades. Femina Miss India has long believed in the power of beauty to inspire confidence, empower young women, and celebrate individuality, self-expression, and purpose.
This 61st edition of the pageant finds its core inspiration in “Connecting the DOTS”, where DOTS stands for “Daughters of This Soil.” Through this initiative, the pageant underscores the ethos of unity in diversity and remains committed to its legacy of bringing together 30 daughters from 30 states under one unified stage, celebrating the diversity, strength, and spirit of womanhood that truly defines India.
KIIT Bhubaneswar has become one of India’s most respected institutions, known not only for academic excellence and world-class infrastructure, but also for its larger vision of inclusive growth and social impact.
Founded by Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KIIT has emerged as a globally recognised multidisciplinary university, while KISS has stood as a remarkable example of empowerment through education, transforming the lives of thousands of underprivileged children. It is this spirit of excellence, purpose, and transformation that makes KIIT such a meaningful partner for Femina Miss India.
KIIT Bhubaneswar presents 61st Femina Miss India co-powered by Rajnigandha Pearls, which promises to be a dazzling showcase of India’s brightest young women as they embody the spirit of dreaming big, owning their journey, transforming through experience, and shining on the national stage.
Also Read: 10 stunning pictures of Femina Miss India 2018 Anukreethy Vas
